Thomas Earl Bourdon

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Earl Bourdon (0-305793), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VF-81), embarked from the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), during an attack against a major unit of the enemy fleet in the Tokyo Bay Area on 17 February 1945. In the face of intense anti- aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bourdon skillfully and courageously conducted his aircraft in a fighter-bomber attack against an enemy aircraft carrier, scoring three rocket hits which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel immediately after the attack. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0218 (March 20, 1945)